A look at Marin Cilic’s journey to 600 wins | ATP tour | Tennis

Milestones

Cilic joins Djokovic as the only active player with 600 wins

The 37-year-old has more victories than any other Croatian
February 10, 2026

Marin Cilic’s 600th tour-level victory, which he achieved against Learner Tien at the Nexo Dallas Open on Tuesday, is a reflection of his consistency and longevity, qualities that have helped him earn a place among the modern greats. During two decades on the ATP Tour, much of which was spent competing in the ‘Big Three’ era, the Croatian has not only survived, but thrived.

Cilic, 37, is one of the sport’s fiercest competitors, armed with equally impressive base firepower. At the same time, the 21-time tour-level title winner balances a quiet intensity with an easy smile and genuine friendliness that resonates with players and fans alike.

Cilic has the second most wins among active players, behind only Novak Djokovic (1,168 and counting). By achieving his 600th victory at tour level, Cilic became the winningest Croatian of all time, surpassing former world number 2 Goran Ivanisevic, who achieved 599 victories at tour level throughout his illustrious career.

One of Cilic’s career highlights came at the 2014 US Open, where he lifted his first major trophy. Cilic defeated Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the final, just days after upsetting five-time champion Roger Federer in the semi-finals. That victory was Cilic’s only victory against Federer in their eleven Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings.

“All my dreams came true,” Cilic said as he reflected on his win at Flushing Meadows last August. “Coming [to the US Open] Again always brings goosebumps and always a bit of a feeling of: ‘Can I do it again?’”

Most Tour Level Wins (Active Players)

Cilic’s win at the US Open helped him qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time that season, a feat he accomplished again for three consecutive years between 2016 and 2018. In 2016, Cilic won his first ATP Masters 1000 crown in Cincinnati. He reached the Wimbledon final in 2017 and the Australian Open championship match in 2018, both times at the expense of Federer.

From 2009 to 2023, Cilic spent much of that time comfortably in the Top 20 of the PIF ATP Rankings. Then, in January 2023, at the ATP 250 in Pune, Cilic suffered a torn lateral meniscus just before his quarter-final. Cilic underwent the first operation of his life and played only one additional tournament that season. Despite his tireless rehabilitation efforts after the surgery, Cilic was unable to return to the level he had hoped for and opted for a second surgery in May 2024.

“I [was] reading all over the internet and doing research, reading dozens if not hundreds of researchers about knee surgery, recovery, the methods, what to do, what not to do, how to train, what to train next,” Cilic recalled last April.

Four months after his second operation, Cilic made history. Days before his 36th birthday in September 2024, Cilic won the ATP 250 in Hangzhou as world number 777, becoming the lowest-ranked champion in ATP Tour history (since 1990).

In addition to his achievements on the field, Cilic is one of the most respected players on Tour. As the father of two sons, Cilic has also made an impression outside the court. In 2016 he founded the Marin Cilic Foundation.

“We do everything we can to help children in need, whether it is through scholarships, motivational speeches or by providing good guidance to point them in the right direction,” Cilic said in 2022. “I hope for a world where all children have equal opportunities to reach their full potential.”

Despite its small size, Croatia has consistently produced world-class talent in professional tennis, including Cilic, Ivanisevic, former No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic and former No. 7 Mario Ancic, among others. Cilic’s achievement as the country’s all-time winningest player speaks to his remarkable longevity.

Cilic’s old friend Ivan Dodig, who reached a career-high No. 2 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings in 2023, has had a front-row seat to his journey.

“It’s just amazing. His whole career is incredible,” Dodig said. “I’m super happy and proud for him. From the beginning, he broke the Top 100 at quite a young age, like as a teenager, and he continued to be one of the best players in the world, achieving so many things in his career, winning so many ATP tournaments, a Grand Slam tournament.

“He has achieved everything you can do in tennis. I am happy for Marin.” [earning] his 600th victory. Hopefully there will be a few more. I am sure he has the courage and motivation to play for a few more years.”